Over the past month, California State Guard (State Defense Force) troops have been training rigorously as part of Task Force Rattlesnake, a joint task force composed of the California Army National Guard, California Air National Guard, California State Guard, and CAL FIRE. Established several years ago, Task Force Rattlesnake was created to counter the rising number and devastating intensity of wildland fires sweeping across California. The need for such a force was underscored earlier this year when California endured one of the worst wildfire seasons in its history, leaving behind unprecedented destruction and a record-breaking challenge for first responders.
The importance of Task Force Rattlesnake cannot be overstated. California’s wildfire seasons grow more destructive with each passing year. In such an environment, having a permanent, trained force standing by is critical. Task Force Rattlesnake provides not only manpower but also unity of effort, bringing together the expertise of CAL FIRE, the organizational strength of the National Guard, and the dedicated service of the California State Guard. For Californians, it means that when wildfires strike, there is always a trained team ready to protect lives, homes, and vital infrastructure.
The California State Guard’s role in this task force is especially vital. With world tensions rising and National Guard deployments increasing overseas, the National Guard cannot always guarantee the same level of in-state availability. The State Guard fills that gap. As a permanent state military force under the authority of the Governor, the California State Guard cannot be federalized or deployed overseas. This ensures that California always has trained forces available at home, regardless of global events or foreign commitments. Their presence in Task Force Rattlesnake guarantees continuity, stability, and readiness to respond whenever the state calls.
In a recently released video, soldiers serving on Task Force Rattlesnake shared their firsthand experiences, describing the intensity of battling California’s unforgiving wildfire seasons and the pride they feel serving their fellow citizens. Their testimony highlights the essential role of State Defense Force troops alongside their National Guard and CAL FIRE partners.
However, the California State Guard’s participation in wildfire missions has not been without turbulence. In 2024, confusion arose when the State Guard’s Team Blaze, a specialized firefighting unit embedded in Task Force Rattlesnake, was removed. Reports circulated that its personnel had been reclassified as civilians, and during this period, the State Guard also lost critical firefighting equipment. Under the leadership of then-Commanding General Brigadier General (CA) Darrin Bender and Adjutant General Major General Matthew P. Beevers, several engines and tankers were disposed of during a controversial reorganization. These decisions drew widespread concern, with many warning that the cuts left lives and property more vulnerable during fire emergencies.
The tide turned following this year’s catastrophic wildfires. A change in leadership brought Brigadier General (CA) Larry K. Adams to command the California State Guard. Under his stewardship, the Guard has returned to full participation in Task Force Rattlesnake, restoring confidence in its role as a frontline responder. Beyond wildfire operations, other components of the force have begun to grow again. The State Guard’s maritime arm, previously weakened under the 2024 cuts, is expanding with renewed energy. Earlier this summer, they christened a new vessel, The Sacramento, symbolizing a fresh era of leadership and capability for California’s state military force.
We are thrilled to see the California State Guard back in action—defending Californians, safeguarding communities, and standing ready to serve our great country.
Sources: California Army National Guard
